Shula just finished his 4th season, starting only weeks before the 2003 season. This means he has only recruited 3 classes which would mean his first recruits are now 3rd year Sophomores or Juniors. With the situation Bama was in when he came it is hard to believe they didn't let his players become upper class men before pulling the trigger to fire him.
Most pre-season predictions had Bama at 7-5 or 8-4 at best this year. Whoever comes in could go 10-2 next year with Shula's team, but they better hope he can recruit his own players for years to come.